Pilots will push jets to their limits at Westmoreland Airshow

When Air Force pilot Capt. Aimee Fiedler hits the skies this weekend above Westmoreland County, she will be 100% on her game.

Seated behind the controls of an F-16 Viper flying above thousands of spectators at the Shop ’n Save Westmoreland Airshow, Fiedler will be making sure she’s executing maneuvers at the right altitude and air speed while communicating with her team on the ground.

“It’s kind of like playing a sport. You’re not really thinking about what you’re doing; it becomes more instinctual,” said Fiedler, a Texas native whose call name is “Rebel.”

She’ll remove herself from air show crowds as much as 45 minutes early to prepare.

“It’s a very mentally and physically exhausting job,” she said. “I have to make sure I’m taking care of myself (with) nutrition, hydration and mentally as well.”

The air show on Saturday and Sunday will feature high-powered performances by fighter jets from the Air Force and Navy, as well as vintage war planes, aerobatics and other air and ground displays. Gates open at 10 a.m. each day.

During Fiedler’s 3 p.m. demonstration each day, the jet will reach speeds of about 800 mph.

“I’m flying the jet to its limitations, so it’s showing you just how versatile and maneuverable the F-16 is, not necessarily how tactical the F-16 is,” she said.

Navy’s Super Hornet

Naval aviator Lt. Jordan Suazo said the F-18 Super Hornet demonstration around 1:45 p.m. each day will feature top speeds as well as his favorite: how quickly the aircraft can turn around. The F-18 is the same type of plane used in “Top Gun: Maverick,” a sequel released last month to the 1980s action flick starring Tom Cruise.

“It’s a thrill, it really is. And sometimes when I’m out of the cockpit for about a week, strapping back in — here we go,” he said with a smile. “You have to get your game face on, but it is an absolute blast.”

Meeting spectators is an added perk to the job. Suazo, whose call name is “Peach,” said he attended air shows as a child in the San Diego area, which played a role in his career choice.

“In my mind, I was always joining the Navy and I wanted to fly off the aircraft carriers,” he said.

Both jets will be paired with their vintage predecessors for special flights following their respective demonstrations. The Air Force F-16 will be joined in the air by a P-51 Mustang, a World War II-era fighter plane, for the USAF Heritage Flight.

Fiedler said the flight is meaningful to her.

“It’s very emotional for a fighter pilot to get to fly alongside something that we’ve only ever read about,” she said. “It’s a huge honor and a huge privilege to see where we started versus where we are now.”

The Navy’s F-18 Super Hornet will be joined on the USN Legacy Flight by an F4U Corsair, another World War II-era aircraft.

It’s important to preserve the history that comes along with war birds as a way to show how the nation’s air defense has changed, said Kevin Russo, a pilot with the Jersey Jerks. His T-6, with 3,000 air hours, was built in 1944 and spent some time in museums before he took ownership of it.

“I’m going to fly an aerobatic routine, and then we also have a formation routine that we do,” he said.

Opening ceremonies are slated to begin between noon and 1 p.m. All of the activities are dependent upon weather and plane conditions.

The event closes at 4 p.m. each day. Tickets are $25 at the gate or $15 in advance at Shop ’n Save locations. Children 10 and younger are admitted free. Parking is $5 to benefit local firefighters. For more details, visit palmerairport.com/airshow.